Jokowi's election win sets up Indonesia political free-for-all

Playing field has been leveled for politicians with ambitions for 2024

Vice presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno walks in front of his house in Jakarta last year. Despite being on the losing ticket, the billionaire is in a position to make a bid for the presidency in 2024 having raised his profile in this year's campaign. © Reuters

SHOTARO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

April 21, 2019 15:47 JST

JAKARTA -- The electoral victory of Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo last week represents a win for the nation's political elite.

Although the official count is not due until late May, an unofficial quick count suggests voters gave Widodo, 57, a former furniture exporter, a solid mandate. His challenger, former general Prabowo Subianto, appears to have lost to Widodo for a second time.